Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik was born 145 years ago

Ljubljana/Prague - The Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik, who was born 145 years ago on January 23, 1872, created a completely specific personal style based on his experiences with Art Nouveau and modern expressionism. In the Czech Republic, he is mainly known as the architect of the modifications to Prague Castle. He initially worked in the country as an educator and later accepted an offer from President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk to engage at the Castle.

Plečnik was also involved in the modifications of the summer presidential residence in Lány. Similarly, he significantly contributed to the Czech metropolis with his Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Jiří z Poděbrady Square. The church, which forms the dominant feature of the upper Vinohrady, is considered the most significant sacred building of the twentieth century in the territory of Bohemia.

With his projects, in which he avoided attempts at Slavic folklore, Plečnik alienated Czech nationalists, but the Masaryk family offered him their protective hand. After 1930, nationalist attacks intensified, and hateful articles appeared with headlines such as "foreigner destroys the sacred seat of Czech kings." After the ailing Masaryk could no longer defend him, Plečnik left his work at the Castle. He reportedly did not take any fee for this work; he said that he considered this task the greatest honor.

In Ljubljana, Plečnik then established a school of architecture and significantly influenced the urban planning of the city. He died on January 7, 1957.